Category: ECOWAS

The Speaker of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament’s Speaker, Hon Sidie Tunis has disclosed that the key components of the 2024 Parliament’s budgetary allocations will be directed towards supporting women and youth development.

Tunis disclosed this in his speech while declaring open the Second Extraordinary Session of the Community Parliament of the fifth Legislature in Winneba, Ghana on Tuesday which is dedicated to the consideration and adoption of the 2024 Draft Budget of the Parliament.

At the session, Hon. Mohamed Bangura and Hon. Sarah Emmerson Lamina, parliamentarians from Sierra Leone were sworn in by the speaker.

Speaker Tunis said the fifth Legislature, under his stewardship, has never wavered in its commitment to fund programs that impact directly on the community citizens, especially women and Youths; even as he assured that a second global summit for women and youths will be held in December.

He further expressed hope in the establishment of ECOWAS Youth Parliament which according to him would bring about more youth involvement and participation in political institutions in the sub-region and also sway them away from vices.

He stated: “Earlier this year, we hosted the ECOFEPA Global Summit through a direct budgetary allocation from the Parliament’s Budget. As a result of the successes recorded and testimonies received from the beneficiaries, I am pleased to announce that provision has been made in the 2024 budget to host a Second Global Summit for Women and Youths across our region before the end of this Legislature.

“I am aware that in December of 2023, during our Second Ordinary Session, ECOFEPA is expected to elect a new corps of Officers. Whoever emerges as the next President, please be assured of our unflinching support in achieving this and other gender-sensitive programs.

“I also believe, that considering the recent political trends across the region, focusing on youth, in terms of their engagement in an organized forum, is extremely timely and could sway them away from the temptation of engaging in vices that are detrimental to their overall development. With that said, we are fully prepared to promote the establishment of the ECOWAS Youth Parliament.

“We are convinced that an ECOWAS Youth Parliament could serve as the foundation for youth representation in formal political institutions such as Parliaments, Political Parties, and other Public Institutions.”

“The ECOWAS Parliament stands ready to work with the youths of our region in bringing together all the different Youth Assemblies with like vision and purpose under one umbrella, aimed at establishing the ECOWAS Youth Parliament.”

Speaker Tunis also tasked all members of the parliament to pay close attention to the context in which they find themselves as a region by protecting the dividends of democracy, even as he prayed that democracy will be allowed to survive in the West African sub-region.

“The Budget, in concrete terms, is the financial expression of our participation and commitment to the development and integration process of our region.

“The Parliament’s Budget provides the means to implement our actions contained in the institution’s strategic plan. It also contributes, in a meaningful way, to the preservation of democracy and peace, which are the fundamental precursors of economic development and integration.

“As you carefully examine the chapters and headings of the draft budget that will be submitted to you, I challenge you, Honorable Members, to pay close attention to the context in which we find ourselves as a region.

“We have the moral obligation, like never before, to work towards protecting the dividends of democracy, including freedom and justice, peace and security, accountability and economic prosperity. It is my belief, hope, and prayer that democracy will be allowed to prevail in the West African sub-region to propel the level of development we so desire for ourselves and our people,” Tunis stated.

More than ever the Speaker advocated for democratically elected governments which must respect the rule of law and ensure that the dividends get to the people. This he said is “the way to go”.

According to Speaker Tunis, despite the challenges faced by democracy in the sub-region, It is in the interest of members of parliament to align with, defend and promote the sacred values of democracy.

“There is, also, the compelling need for democratically elected governments to serve in the interest of the people by ensuring that the benefits of democracy, which we so cherish, spread across the length and breadth of our nations for the people to feel the effect of the democracy we continually advocate. Leaders must understand that constitutional engineering to perpetuate themselves in power is an infringement on the sovereign will of the people, a clear violation of their mandate to rule, and a setback in democratic development and consolidation.

“Leaders in the sub-region must respect the rule of law and constitutionalism by strengthening the democratic institutions and agencies that facilitate these; promote, and protect the inalienable human rights of the people, educate the masses on the importance of democracy, and ensure that the strong democratic institutions hold the military accountable to civilian rule.

“I must indicate that I hold an extraordinary belief in the progress and development of this Community, that we will turn the tide and return to the path of democracy, constitutionalism, and the rule of law, which are ever so predictable and hold the key to our common good as a people. Notwithstanding the challenges that democracy is facing around the world and in our sub-region, I truly hold that it is still the only system that offers opportunities for growth and prosperity” he reiterated.

The Parliament considered and adopted the draft agenda and draft work programme of the 2023 Second Extraordinary Session, and the draft Report of the 2023 First Virtual Extraordinary Session.

The ECOWAS Parliament has initiated moves to determine the causes of military takeovers, democratic regression, and political instability in the sub-region in spite of the existence of Community Acts and Protocols intended to consolidate democracy and promote political stability.

Concerns over the recent spate of military takeovers in the West African Community necessitated the need to examine the “Role of the ECOWAS Parliament Relating the Challenges of Unconstitutional Regime Change and Presidential Term Limits in West Africa” in a high-level parliamentary seminar organized by the ECOWAS Parliament to run from September 29 – October 1, 2023 in Winneba, Ghana.

Speaker Tunis, during the seminar, reiterate that the responsibility of Legislators is not only to create laws and policies but also to rigorously monitor implementations.

The Speaker said to ensure that ECOWAS performs maximally to the expectation of the people parliamentarians must facilitate robust and continuous discourse on the broad issues aimed at formulating effective and sustainable solutions to crises confronting the community and humanity in general.

“During this Seminar, we also intend to look at the causes of various attempts by democratically elected leaders in the sub-region to extend their term limits despite crystal-clear constitutional provisions outlining these terms, as well as the potential role the ECOWAS Parliament can play in preventing such anti-democratic actions.

“We note that the role of the Parliament in upholding regional stability, laying the groundwork for democracy, economic growth, and the rule of law, as well as acting as the voice of hope for all our peoples, is invaluable and should never be diminished. Parliamentarians need to step up to the plate and demonstrate the extraordinary leadership that is expected of us.

“The adage “to whom much is given, much is expected” applies here. We must embrace democracy as essential to progress and muster the confidence to speak out against leaders who are solidifying their hold on power against the wishes of the people because we have a moral obligation to do so.

“We must denounce those who start constitutional and institutional coups with the same zeal and tones as we denounce military coups. We must publicly denounce corruption, poor leadership, and anti-democratic forces while resisting those who seek to undermine our democracy. To that effect, the ECOWAS Parliament must take charge and ensure that National Parliaments carry out conflict prevention measures in addition to overseeing the effective operation of the ECOWAS Early Warning System.

“We must also be sensitive to the situation of young people in our society, who face poverty, barriers to education, many forms of discrimination as well as limited job prospects and opportunities, leaving them susceptible to engaging in anti-democratic initiatives.

He said that in response to the growing understanding of the value of youth in building resilience and peaceful societies, especially across the region, the ECOWAS Parliament is collaborating with Non-Governmental organisations (NGOs), led by Oxfam and its partners, including the Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA), Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI), and the West African Youth Alliance, to establish the ECOWAS Youth Parliament.

The establishment of the Youth Parliament, which is aligned with the ECOWAS Strategic Objective #5: “Building ECOWAS into a community of peoples fully inclusive of women, children and youth”, will facilitate the active participation of youths across the region in achieving the community vision, in coordination with the ECOWAS Parliament.

Earlier the Head of Ghana Delegation at the ECOWAS Parliament, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, said that the recent activities of unrest the the subregion should in no way provide a justification for military coups to overthrow democratically elected regimes.

“We must insist, fervently, that the answer to these acts of terror lies within our democratic institutions, standing as bastions of hope and fortitude amidst the turmoil.

“We stand at a juncture where the road we choose will dictate the future of our great region. The recent resurgence of military coups threatens to drag us back to an era we have fought tirelessly to transcend. We must firmly CONDEMN the coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Chad, and Gabon, along with the hostilities in Sudan.

“These actions are a betrayal of the democratic principles we hold dear, and we demand a swift return to constitutional rule. We must affirm, unequivocally, that regression is not the solution. Our golden age lies ahead of us, not in the shadows of the 1960s to 1980s”, Afenyo-Markin stated.

He said it is under the shade of democracy that aspired progress can be cultivated to propel Africa into an era of supreme industrialization in the wake of the AfCFTA.

In response to the recent incidences of military takeovers in the West African sub-region, the President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, has said that democracy in West Africa is in danger, urging all to work harder to entrench the principles of democratic accountability in the citizens.

He stated that the region is confronted with a difficult economic, political, social insecurity situation.

“Despite the considerable progress made by the community in the areas of democracy, good governance and the rule of law since the 1990s, “we are at the moment witnesses a significant decline in our democratic relations”, President Akufo-Addo said.

“This observation is bitter and implacable, today four member ECOWAS States are led by military government as a result of coup d’etat, this has unfortunately created a state of palpable anxiety and tension in every corner of the region, raising the spectre of region instability which we thought had been banished forever. Equally apart is the culture of violence and disputes that characterize the period of electing some of our leaders.

“In my opinion, regional democracy is currently facing three serious threats. Firstly is the attempted confiscation of democracy by elites who engage through legal acts in the manipulation of constitutional rules and the subjugation of the institutions of the republic with the sole aim of remaining in power.

“Secondly is the emerging remilitarization of governance with the return once again of the military unto the political scene. We’ve neither consulted or received any mandate from the people on whose behalf they purport to act.

“Lastly is the wanton desire to destroy democracy by terrorist groups and armed criminal gangs which see to start lawlessness in the absent of freedom in our region.

“I want to reaffirm that in the contemporary world, the only legitimacy for any leader is through a mandate that is freely give by the people in a fair, peaceful and transparent election. This is the most tangible and objective way to know and recognize the commonwealth which is the wealth of the people.

“The election of Mohammed Bazum in Niger inboard this recognition of the commonwealth and that is why the coup in Niger is particularly tragic for the consolidation of democracy in our region.

“It is also important to remind us that democracy is not a western concept as some believe but rather a universal concept of general application. The history of the world, including that of Africa testifies that the process of electing and installing leaders in democratic circumstances provides the best form of government.

“Modern history has taught us that tyranny, oppression and totalitarian government do not last long. No matter how a people reject democracy and civil liberty circumstances will always force them back to embrace them”.

President Akufo-Addo urged Parliamentarians to speak against the extension of presidential tenures by some leaders to strengthen their grip and power.

These actions according to President Akufo-Addo, tend to result in discontent among the populace to create fertile grounds for which military intervention feed.

President Akufo-Addo assured that the Authority of Heads of State of ECOWAS will be receptive to all proposals and await them with great interest and expectations.

He said he hopes the conclusions and recommendations from the seminar will contribute to the deepening and strengthening of democracy, good governance, peace and stability in the region.

The seminar is expected to brainstorm on the major challenges facing the region and profer solutions, the Ghanaian president assures that the authority of Heads of States are expectant of the resolutions.

“There should be no backsliding in support for democratic values anchored on the promotion of the rule of law and respect for human rights.

The integrative nature of the Abidjan – Lagos Corridor Highway project is expected to impact on the West African sub-region especially its significance in the realisation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

The Abidjan-Lagos Road Corridor Project is being implemented not only as a road project but as an integrated “development corridor” which will also catalyze the deployment of other important sectors such as industry, agriculture, energy, environment, ICT, tourism in the region, thus becoming an economic corridor to boost the growth of the Region.

This flagship project preliminary estimated at US$15.1 billion, lies at the heart of the ECOWAS Vision 2050 and the 4 x 4 strategic objectives of the ECOWAS Commission Management.

Considering the resource implications on the project for a more feasible and successful execution, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Development Financial Institutions (DFI), consulted on the financing of the Construction of the Abidjan – Lagos Corridor Highway.

The 1st round table of development partners and major regional and international DFIs on the financing of the Construction of the Abidjan – Lagos Corridor Highway held on Tuesday September 26, 2023, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire under the auspices of the ECOWAS Commission, AfDB and the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID).

During deliberations, Deputy Director of Cabinet, Mr. Stéphane Ezoa, on behalf of the Minister of Equipment and Maintenance of Roads for Cote d’Ivoire, Dr. Amédé Koffi Kouakou, stressed that the authorities of his country attach great importance to the highway and are committed to work with the other corridor countries and ECOWAS to achieve the great vision of the Presidents of the 5 member states involved.

Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy and Digitization of the ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Sediko Douka, who lead the ECOWAS delegation, comprising Mr. Mambury Njie, Advisor for Economic and Financial Integration to the President of the ECOWAS Commission and Mr. Chris Appiah, Acting Director of Transport of ECOWAS, said the ECOWAS Commission, the AfDB and the Member States along the corridor call on all public and private investors to join in realizing the vision that will sustainably transform the economic landscape of our region.

For the African Development Bank, Mr. Joseph Ribeiro, Deputy Director General, West Africa, representing Mrs. Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade, Vice-President, Regional Development, Integration and Service Delivery, stressed on the integrative nature of the project and it’s significance in the realisation of the continental free trade area.

Dr. Mabouba Diagne, Vice-President Finance and Corporate Services at the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (BIDC), said the strong mobilization of IFDs and Donors at this 1st round table, marks an important signal of the investor appetite for the construction of the Abidjan-Lagos Highway.

The Roundtable was marked by a very detailed presentation of the highway project covering the objectives, key investment elements, findings from the feasibility and Preliminary design studies, other technical details and the structure of the Corridor Management Authority, “ALCOMA” mandated to construct, manage and operate the highway on behalf of the five countries.

Engineers and sector Experts in Trade, Industry, Tourism, Private Sector and Agriculture, met at a Validation Workshop for the Spatial Development Initiative Study (SDI) for the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway Development Project, which took place in Lagos, Nigeria between 13th and 15th September 2023, marking a significant step forward in the comprehensive development of this vital corridor. 

The Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway is a six lane Dual Carriageway Highway from Abidjan-Lagos which is approximately 1,028 km long and connects some of the largest and most economically dynamic cities in Africa, namely: Abidjan, Accra, Cotonou, Lomé and Lagos and covers a large proportion of West Africa’s population.

It also links very vibrant seaports which also serves all the landlocked countries of the region, being Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Chad.

The development objective of the Highway project when fully implemented is to generate increased social and economic activities, promote cross-border trade and integrate the economies within the ECOWAS Community.

This will contribute to reducing the poverty within the population that depend on the transport modes of the corridor for livelihood.

The concept of SDI involves the scoping of all the physical, economic, technical, political, economic and commercial aspects of the Corridor catchment area.

The objective of this study is to develop a comprehensive Corridor Investment Plan with “anchor projects” in all economic sectors (Agriculture, tourism, industry, trade, health, education, etc.) that will naturally lead to a holistic growth of the Corridor.

The plan will also identify and create industrial clusters, with new economic activities to spur on the development of the region.

The holistic development of the Corridor will enhance regional connectivity, trade, and socio-economic development of the ECOWAS Region.

This Workshop, being hosted by the Executing Agency for the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway Project, ECOWAS Commission, attended by key stakeholders, development partners and project Directors/Engineers from the Ministries in-charge of Road Infrastructure in the corridor Members States (Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria and Togo), considered an essential milestone in the SDI Study, where participants reviewed and validated the findings, data, the criteria and recommendations of the SDI Study, ensuring the accuracy and relevance of the proposed initiatives.

There were also discussions and consensus-building among diverse stakeholders, on project identification criteria and conditions, with the goal of prioritizing and agreeing on key projects and interventions for developing a holistic Investment Plan for the Corridor.

Feedback from the meeting will be used to shape the scoping and project selection process, for the eventual packaging of investment information for each economic activity in the Plan.

This will lead to the next milestone of the Study. Eventually, the projects prepared and packaged in the Investment Plan which will be structured with the Highway Component, as well as presented to private investors and public financiers.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and its partners are mobilizing support to strengthen cybersecurity in West Africa through the launch, this Tuesday, September 12, 2023, in Abuja, Nigeria, of the Joint Platform for the Advancement of Cybersecurity in West Africa. This initiative was launched by the ECOWAS Commission in collaboration with Germany’s G7 Presidency in 2022.

The three-day event will serve as an official starting point for the joint implementation of the ECOWAS Action Plan to increase regional cybersecurity resilience and capacity.

The first concrete lines of work from the action plan to be implemented will focus on (i) the importance of developing and implementing regional confidence-building measures in the field of cybersecurity, (ii) on strengthening regional cooperation and cyber capabilities at the regional level, (ii) on skills development as well as regional cyber diplomacy mechanisms.

For Mr. Sediko Douka, the Commissioner in charge of Infrastructure, Energy and Digitization of the ECOWAS Commission, who spoke at the opening of the launch ceremony of the platform, stated that the advancement of cybersecurity in West Africa is not just a necessity; it is an opportunity. An opportunity to protect our economies, our infrastructure, and our people.

An opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to a digital future that is safe, secure, and prosperous for all. An opportunity to improve the lives and livelihood of our West African community citizens in line with our 4×4 Strategic Objectives, ECOWAS Vision 2050, and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

“Cybersecurity is not merely a technical issue; it is a matter of national security, economic stability, and safeguarding the privacy and rights of our people. It is important to act decisively to protect our critical infrastructure, secure our data, and ensure the trust and confidence of those who use digital services…” said the Commissioner Sediko Douka.

It should be noted that other speeches were delivered during this important ceremony namely those of H.E Ambassador Musa NUHU, Permanent Representatives of ECOWAS to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mr. John Reyels, Head of Cyber Staff at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany and Mr. Franck-Emery Mongbe from GIZ, Head of Component, Organizational Development Project with ECOWAS, in the presence of representatives of the ICT and Digital Economy Ministries, the Foreign Ministries of the ECOWAS Member States and Development Partners.

It shall be recalled that the ECOWAS action plan (2022-2025) on cyber security is based on four thematic pillars (Development of cyber diplomacy mechanisms and skills, strengthening protection of critical infrastructure, protection of vulnerable groups from cybersecurity threats, including cybercrime and terrorist use of the Internet, fight against cybercrime and data sovereignty).

It provides concrete areas for the ECOWAS Commission to structure its cooperation with global, regional and national partners to lead capacity building initiatives in the field of cybersecurity